Controversial refereeing calls overshadowed the top of the table clash in Group B at the Cosafa Castle Cup as Zimbabwe and Madagascar played out a goalless draw on Wednesday at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

Zimbabwe Warriors had two legitimate-looking appeals in the final five minutes waved away by referee Joshua Bondo, first Raphael Manuvire was hacked down in the penalty area in the 85th minute only for the referee to wave play on. Two minutes later captain Ovidy Karuru was also sent flying, this time by goalkeeper Jean Dieu Donne Randrianasolo, but again the match official said ‘no penalty’ to the consternation of the Zimbabweans.

The opening 20 minutes of play produced no attacking play of note, with both teams settling into the match and finding their rhythm in front of a sparse crowd at the venue.

Zimbabwe’s first clear chance arrived in the 21st minute as Blessing Majarira sprung the offside trap and drew goalkeeper Leda off his line, only to put his effort from a tight angle into the side netting.

Had Majarira held his composure and squared the ball across the penalty area instead, his teammate Leeroy Mavunga would have had a tap-in.

Madagascar made few chances in the first half, though on 28 minutes they threatened through Tantely - he looked to pick out Boura from out wide, only for the striker to miss out under pressure from the Warriors’ defence.

Zimbabwe made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Bruce Homora and Knox Mutizwa off the bench to replace Jameson Mukombwe and Majarira respectively.

Yet it was Club M who created the first chance after the restart, with more good work from Tantely to provide a cross for Rinjala, but the attacker put his shot from a tight angle over the target.

On 53 minutes Zimbabwe created a great chance when a cross from the left flank picked out an unmarked Ovidy Karuru in the middle, but his diving header was brilliantly saved with his feet by goalkeeper Leda.

Openings were then few and far between until the 77th minute, when Madagascar substitute Bila made an immediate impact with an awkward shot which forced George Chigova into a good save.

The warriors will take a superior goal difference into the final round of group matches on Friday, where they meet the Seychelles, while Madagascar will need a goal rush to catch up when they take on Mozambique.

Mozambique are back in the mix after a 2-1 win over Seychelles in the second game of the day, which handed them their first points, and leaves the Indian Ocean islanders eliminated.

The final Group A games are scheduled for Thursday with Angola and Tanzania chasing top place. Angola play Malawi at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace while the Taifa Stars, guests at the tournament, meet Mauritius at Moruleng Stadium. Both matches kick off at 5pm.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

Group B

Zimbabwe 0 Madagascar 0

Seychelles 1 (Melanie 63’) Mozambique 2 (Stelio 48’, Mutong 70’)